Kozakowski Named CCHA Defensive Player of the Week

Jeff Kozakowski

EAST LANSING, Mich. — Michigan State junior defenseman Jeff Kozakowski (Garden City, Mich.) has been named the CCHA Defensive Player of the Week, the league has announced.

Kozakowski led the Spartan defense in a pair of victories last weekend against Alaska Fairbanks (6-1) and Ferris State (7-0). Kozakowski finished with a +2 plus/minus rating as the Spartans allowed only one goal and just 34 shots in the two games. The Spartans limited Ferris State to 14 shots on goal in Saturday’s shutout victory.

The Garden City native was also a key component of Michgian State’s special teams play. Kozakowski was on the ice for all five MSU power-play goals (in 11 opportunities, 45.5%) and helped kill off all nine short-handed situations the Spartans faced.

On the offensive side, Kozakowski had two assists in each game, extending his point-scoring streak to four games. Kozakowski became the sixth Spartan to earn league accolades this season and the fourth in as many weeks.

Kozakowski and the Spartans (20-3-3 overall, 12-3-2 and in second place in the CCHA) return to action Saturday against Lake Superior State at 7 p.m. in Munn Ice Arena.